Create a yogurt and vinegar mix. The yogurt contains lactic acid, and the vinegar contains acetic acid. Both help to lighten skin color.

Try exfoliating and moisturizing. Scrub the elbows after showering to remove dry and flaky skin cells that can become trapped in the elbow creases. Use a washcloth or loofah to rub the elbows gently until excess dry skin has been removed. After scrubbing, moisturize the skin. Dry skin darkens, so moisturize with either petroleum jelly or coconut oil.